MotoGP to Highlight Austin Circuit During F1 Grand Prix Weekend

The long‑standing aspiration of countless motorsport enthusiasts—witnessing Formula 1 and MotoGP compete on the same weekend—appears to be moving closer to reality.

According to Motorsport.com, Liberty Media, which owns the commercial rights for both series, is evaluating the prospect of featuring MotoGP machines at the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas, slated for late October.

The proposal envisions MotoGP motorcycles completing several demonstration laps during the F1 weekend, allowing Austin spectators to experience the series up close.

Since the date conflicts with the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island—set to be the final race there under the existing arrangement—current MotoGP riders will not be able to participate. Instead, the demonstration will showcase MotoGP Show Bikes, fully operational exhibition machines derived from current or earlier‑specification prototypes.

An initial concept considered having former riders from each manufacturer or team pilot the bikes, but those specifics remain undecided.

MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG), responsible for the series’ commercial and promotional affairs, has begun discussions with manufacturers to assess their interest in this strategic marketing initiative aimed at growing MotoGP’s U.S. audience.

A remaining challenge is determining who will finance the logistical expenses of transporting the bikes and the staff needed to operate them.

Race start

Photo by: MotoGP

Previously, teams have depended on road bikes painted in MotoGP liveries for promotional activities. However, recent agreements between the series promoter and the teams require each participant to maintain fully operational MotoGP prototypes suitable for exhibition events.

Although MotoGP SEG and the manufacturers continue to deliberate the details, both parties consider the proposal a valuable chance to expand MotoGP’s fanbase in a major target market.

Following Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna, many in the paddock have speculated about the prospect of combining Formula 1 and MotoGP on the same event.

Motorsport.com reports that such discussions have occurred at the executive level, though no concrete plans exist for a combined Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix in the near term.

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